A Prototype E-Business Model to Create a Competitive Advantage in SMEs

Abstract

This study explores new ways for SMEs to create a competitive advantage through the use of e-business. It examines the level of ICT use in SMEs and identifies the drivers and barriers which owners/managers face in adopting e-business. Furthermore, it explores the degree of awareness amongst SMEs of the opportunities available to them for developing their employees, their business strategies, and their attitudes toward the range of initiatives and options, on the use of e-business. Industry behaviour and organisational culture in relation to the creation of competitive advantage through e-business also are explored. Case studies and literature review are used to collect information from and about SMEs in the UK. The results of these are employed to propose a prototype business model, named CATE-b – “Competitive Advantage Through e-business.”